I have spent years trying to explain the beauty of the Power Pros series. What is Power Pros is the question some of you may be asking now, and the answer I always give is that it is a fundamentally sound baseball series hidden under the caricature-like models that are more like Weeble Wobbles than actual baseball players. Also, respect if you got the Weeble Wobbles reference!
WBSC eBaseball: Power Pros
What has always drawn me to the Power Pros series, whether the Japanese or American version, is how well the game plays under the hood. Sure, it looks like a cross between anime and cel-shaded graphics, but beyond the visual attempt to make the game feel accessible to the masses, the sport is well-represented.
A series first released back in 1994 carried the official license of Nippon Professional Baseball and the Japanese Professional Baseball Players Association.
Power Pros Officially Moves West
The Pawapuro or Power Pros franchise has a whopping 29 different installments since its initial release back in 1994 and has seen its popularity move from beyond Japan and find its footing over here with the help of the original Japanese release of Jikkyōu Powerful Major League 2009 and a collaboration between Konami and 2K Sports with MLB Power Pros 2008.
Although Jikkyōu Powerful in 2009 wasn’t an official US release and debut, it could be played on the Wii, as many downloaded or imported the title.
Konami and 2K Sports joined forces in 2008 to finally develop and distribute the first actual title meant for North America in the form of MLB Power Pros. It was the first title in the series to feature Major League Baseball players, stadiums, and schedule. This was a significant move for Konami. While it wasn’t incredibly well received, it opened the eyes of many baseball fans, and awareness of the series started to gain traction.
By the way, both of the titles listed above can be played through emulation on PC and can be edited to bring the players current to date if one is so inclined to do so.
WBSC eBaseball: Power Pros Now Available For 99 Cents
If you don’t have a desire or ability to emulate the software from either MLB Powers 2008 or Jikkyōu Powerful Major League 2009 but still want to see what all the hype is about, Konami has some excellent news for you.
With very little notice, Konami has released WBSC eBaseball: Power Pros (2023) for both the Nintendo Switch and PS4/5. While this version doesn’t provide the depth of modes typically associated with the series, it offers the opportunity to enjoy the title in a single and multiplayer fashion.
So what is included in the newest Power Pros?
Whether you like swinging for the fences or pitching in the strike zone, baseball is all about batting, pitching, and fielding. The virtual world of baseball is no different. With easy pick-up-and-play mechanics, WBSC eBaseball: Power Pros is fun for both novices and skilled gamers.
- Create your dream team with unique characters from the Power Pros universe.
- Play against your friends in the offline Versus mode. Practice and compete against global players in the online Championship mode.
- Enjoy amazing animations with incredible double plays, diving catches, and even home-run-robbing wall catches.
- Keep your eyes peeled for future exciting tournaments. The world awaits!
- A paid subscription to Nintendo Switch Online is required to play Championship Mode.
The game also offers a practice mode that lets you ease your way into the mechanics of fielding, pitching, and hitting.
Bottom Line
Power Pros 2023 may not offer the MLB or WBC licensing, but for a single dollar (USD), there is no better time to jump in and see what the series is about. Again, the newest version may not offer the depth of modes found in the other offerings in the series. Still, it allows people to jump in and appreciate the animation style and solid baseball gameplay the series has been showcasing for years.
